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to intend

to intend

405 2.8
Plan for someone or something to be used for a particular purpose
  • verb
  • /ɪnˈtɛnd/
: destinar a
  • It wasn't the cruise we intended to take, but... it was a good thing we got on the wrong boat, because... it changed our lives forever.
  • intended to protect
  • intended to prevent
  • intended audience

It was the one intended for that initiative.

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Examples

  • Support of specific kinds of art is intended to send the message that Americans appreciate Islamic heritage.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The teacher intended her lesson to spark an interest in science among her students.

  • Your uncle always intended to leave the estate to you, but he worried about what you had become.

  • I intend to see that task through to its end.

  • We always intended to ease ourselves into pure research, anyway.

  • The financial aid provided by the state is intended to cover the child's food, clothing, and personal allowance.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The new policy is intended to encourage more students to pursue higher education.

  • He intended to dedicate his book to his mother for her unwavering support.

Synonyms

to mean
vsto intend
∞ 1.6

Intend to talk about someone or something

applies more to planning or assigning a future role than to speech intent
to design
vsto intend
481 2.8

To plan with a specific aim in mind

is broader and includes assigning a future role or fate to someone or something
to destine
vsto intend
163 5.7

To decide that someone or something will have a certain future

is more about deliberate planning or assigning future roles than inevitable fate
to designate
vsto intend
  • Formal
124 5.0

To officially choose someone for a job or role

is broader, relating to planning or destiny beyond formal appointment
to specify
vsto intend
  • Specialized
61 3.9

To choose someone for a particular job or role

is broader, covering general intention or destined future rather than fine details
to purpose
vsto intend
4 5.6

To decide or plan to do something

focuses more on choosing a future role or fate than on practical use

How Fixed

to ordain
  • Formal
18 6.9
to intend
405 2.8
to designate
77 4.4
to plan
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

intend infinitive
intended past
intended past participle
intending present participle
intends third person singular

Etymology

Intend comes from the Latin parts in- 'toward' and tendere 'to stretch', and this root is also in words like tend. That's why if something is intended for a person or purpose, it is 'stretched toward' that role — it is designed or meant for it.